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 I wasn't always a modern,
suburban woman. My early years were spent in a
tiny house on the grounds of my grandparent's farm in
upstate New York. Seems I was quite a little shepherd
back then.
 My teen years were spent
on the back of a horse . . . riding, training and teaching
others the joys of horseback riding. These years
culminated in an event called the "Gambler's
Choice". It was the main event of a horse show in
which the riders got to choose their own path in the
stadium. (I was always big on charting my own course.)
There were a number of different jumps, which were quite
adventurous, as viewed from a fearless teenager's
perspective.
All you had to do was
jump all of them . . . cleanly and faster than anyone else.
My horse's name was "Charlie", a huge dapple
grey, strong and stubborn, yet determined . . . much
like me. I knew what Charlie could do with his smooth
stride and amazing leaping ability. There was almost no
fence he couldn't hurdle with ease.
 I've often asked myself
what it was about that day that made everything come
together. I could see the course in my mind. I had a
very clear focus and mission -- to round the fences
cleanly, as fast as I could go. If I rushed it, I risked
hitting fences or missing a turn. If I played it
safe, I risked losing to someone else on time. But
losing wasn't really an option.
I decided then and there
that THIS is what makes life worth living, moments
filled with grace, ease, complete calmness and knowing.
I knew exactly what to do. I trusted the strength and
talent of my horse. I used my own strengths to determine
my own path, on my own terms, then executing perfectly.
Aaaah . . . sweet victory!
 I traded horseback riding
for competitive cycling, and eventually graduate school,
both of which required use of the intense focus I had
learned to rely on. I completed my dissertation in 4
months, only to learn later that "diligence and perseverance"
was my highest Signature Strength.
These days, I consider
myself more of a steward than a shepherd. My mission is
to live a generous life, with gratitude, grace,
compassion and love. The essence of stewardship to me is
to share what I have been given - my talent, energy,
influence, time and resources with open hands and a
giving heart.
"I
love helping others create a life that matters."
As an entrepreneur, I
value freedom above all else. I want to be the author of
my own experience. It doesn't mean that I don't learn
from others, I just know that I create my own happiness
and invent my own steps.
"How
will the world be different tomorrow
as a result of what
we do today?"
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